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RE: "You Didn't Earn That"

in #beauty8 years ago

The idea that genetics doesn't influence intelligence is a plain and simple overreaction to eugenics (which was indeed horrid). No scientists really believe that genetics is irrelevant to intelligence, though few are willing to risk researching and publishing on this sensitive topic for obvious reasons.

That genetics influences intelligence is obvious. We see it most obviously at the extremes--for instance numerous types of mental incapacity (like Down's Syndrome) are obviously genetically determined. And Einstein's brain was, in fact, physically different from your's and mine: http://earthsky.org/human-world/einsteins-brain-was-different-from-other-peoples

Furthermore, we know from intelligence tests that certain genetically similar types of people (I wont' use the word "racial groups" because the concept of race has no scientific basis), even when raised in different parts of the world, share measurable similarities in intelligence "on the average". For instance, Ashkenazi Jews (wherever they have been raised in the world) score higher on average on intelligence tests than any other genetically similar group. Certain Asian demographics score higher also.

Some argue that these measured differences in test results are cultural rather than genetic. Even though that's incredibly doubtful for the reasons just noted, it still doesn't undermine my point since being born to a specific culture is no less random than being born with certain genes. Perhaps Ashkenazi Jews demonstrate better aptitude on intelligence tests on average only for cultural reasons. So what? Given that none of us "earn" the right to be born an Ashkenazi Jew, it doesn't matter in terms of undermining my thesis that none of us have "earned" our intelligence anymore than our beauty.

Even if culture and genetics are completely irrelevant and it all comes down to how your were taught or raised by your parents and teachers, it stil doesn't undermine my argument. Since we don't "choose" or "earn" our parents or teachers, intelligence is still a matter of "luck". None of us "deserve" our parents or teachers, good or bad.

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Steven Pinker (Harvard Psychology Professor) gives a fascinating talk on - "Jews, Genes and Intelligence."

A Jew patting Jews in a lecture at Institute for Jewish Research is a very credible source of truth! Such fascinating... Much WoW.

Ever heard of the logical fallacy called ad hominem? You just did it. So nobody with a brain will buy into your "logic".

I've made a mistake engaging with people like you. My apologies.

This video is amazing an chock full of great facts and stats. Thanks for sharing it!